So what is it really like at the notorious Spanish party island? We set out to find out, and in the process discovered that is has a dark side, like many other party spots around the world (Magaluf, anyone?!).

Here are 12 things you need to know about Ibiza, starting from its lighter side!

1. It’s jawdroppingly spectacular

With stunning turquoise water and white sand, it’s easy to see why Ibiza is a popular holiday spot accommodating approximately 2.8 million tourists each year. Its magnificent architecture, coastline and sealife have landed it a World Heritage Site listing.

Wow! Ibiza Punta de Xarraca beach.Source: ThinkStock

Ibiza town.Source: ThinkStock

The town walls.Source: ThinkStock

The road leading to the lighthouse at Ibiza is colourful.Source: ThinkStock

Famous tower of Savinar on Ibiza Island.Source: ThinkStock

2. It’s THE place to be when the world ends

In the 15th century Nostradamus predicted that Ibiza will be the Earth’s final refuge. It’s also believed that the prevailing winds on the island will make it the only place able to sustain life after a nuclear fallout.

3. Only the best hotels are allowed

In 2007 the local government passed a law that all new hotels in Ibiza must be five-star. Get ready to live it up.

The five-star Ibiza Gran Hotel.Source: Twitter

4. It’s naturally a pretty safe place

According to the Ibiza tourism board, there are “no aggressive or dangerous botanical and animal species”. In other words, the animals are harmless.

The island, which was founded in 654BC, is home to the uninhabited isle of Es Vedra. It’s said to be where Ulysses was lured from his ship by the sirens in Homer’s Odyssey. There’s also a magnetic field that renders compasses useless.

Es Vedra. Picture: Jose ASource: Flickr

9. There's great shopping and a chilled vibe

@SchneiderK@newscomauHQ went when I was 20, totally loved it, beautiful island, so much to do, Ibiza town shopping amazing, fab stuff!!!

Travellers have been warned of dangerous drugs in Ibiza including one branded “Cannibal” that has been linked to disturbing acts of violence. Officials believe there's a trend where holiday-makers are being used as guinea pigs by dealers who are trying out new drugs to then sell across Europe.

Raul Izquierdo, a health officer for the Balearic Islands, said the drugs are especially worrisome because of their unknown side effects.

“Ibiza is the gateway, and the experimental laboratory for the new drugs that appear,” Izquierdo told the Daily Mail.

There were 18,640 drug seizures in Ibiza last year, compared to 14,253 in 2012.

A news.com.au reader who wished to remain anonymous said it's easy to get drugs.

“Drugs are readily available on the streets of Ibiza if you know where to look, this usually works on a referral from a friend or people you meet while out and about, or just being asked as you walk by.”

Another reader agreed:

“Everything you’ve heard about Ibiza and drugs is true, if not twice as bad,” he said.

“We picked up bags of MDMA and cocaine ... I believe drugs are so rampant because of the absolutely ridiculous alcohol prices. Some clubs charge a shocking amount, €12 for a 300ml bottle of water.”

There were 18,640 drug seizures in Ibiza last year, compared to 14,253 in 2012.

Does the island have a drug issue?Source: News Limited

12. Uproar over rape warnings

When the British consulate in Spain issued a warning to tourists about sexual predators in Ibiza, distributing thousands of leaflets around the island as part of a campaign targeting several Mediterranean destinations (including Cyprus and Greece), local hoteliers weren’t happy.

The posters issued the warnings: “Don’t walk home alone or with someone you don’t trust, it could cost you your life” and; “Keep an eye on your drink: It only takes a second for your night out to turn into a nightmare.”

British consular director for Spain Will Middleton told Spanish news website Olive Press, that 110 Brits have reported sexual assaults in Spain over the last two years and 43 per cent of these were in the Balearics (of which Ibiza is one of the main islands). He said it's likely that’s just the tip of the iceberg, with rapes often going unreported.

Ibiza is a very popular destination for the British.

The posters were removed when Ibiza’s councillor for tourism, Carmen Ferrer, said the allegations were untrue and called for an immediate retraction “because of the deep alarm this is creating among the hoteliers and residents”.

No records of sexual assaults are kept by police in Spain. Violent crime is very low in the country, and the Australian Government has not issued any warnings for Ibiza.

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